In this book, Emmanuel Mbennah argues that Christian spiritual maturity is the bridge between the new identity of the Christian, articulated in Ephesians 1-3, and the moral code of the Christian life commensurate with the new identity, presented in Ephesians 4:17--6:20. From an interpretation of Ephesians 4:13, Mbennah brings to the fore what Christian spiritual maturity is and why it is imperative. He argues that Ephesians 4:1-16 is about spiritual maturity, and not about Christian unity, except unity as a by-product of maturity. A case study in which the meaning of spiritual maturity is used as a critical standard to evaluate the spiritual maturity of a church in a particular context further clarifies the meaning of spiritual maturity and demonstrates what a sad state of immaturity a church could be in. Mbennah calls for the Church's return to the pursuit of maturity and a return to the subject in New Testament scholarship.
Emmanuel D. Mbennah (PhD, North-West University, South Africa) is the International Director of TWR Africa. He is Extraordinary Associate Professor of New Testament, Faculty of Theology, North-West University. He is also Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Communication Studies at the South Africa Theological Seminary. Mbennah's recent publications include Foundations for Child Ministry (2012).
"Mbennah argues persuasively that Paul's main purpose in Ephesians is for Christians to understand they have a new identity and to celebrate it, that spiritual maturity is intended for all Christians, and that in several of the dimensions of spiritual maturity, the church misinterprets Ephesians 4:1-16. Mbennah concludes his carefully crafted thesis with some very challenging recommendations for the church. His scholarly work warrants serious consideration."
--Reuben van Rensburg, Principal, South African Theological Seminary
"Emmanuel Mbennah defines Christian spiritual maturity on the basis of a rhetorical-critical analysis of Ephesians 4:1-16. He then uses spiritual maturity as a critical standard . . . and suggests a program to guide the church to spiritual maturity. Church leaders, decision-makers in church work generally, Christian education planners, and New Testament scholars will experience The Mature Church as most stimulating."
--Fika J. van Rensburg, Dean, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, South Africa
"The Mature Church provides the modern church with three critical elements: it gives the church an alternative way to view the theme and structure of Ephesians; it provides a conservative rhetorical-critical interpretation of Ephesians 4:1-16; and it provides a case study that helps the global church comprehend how a regional body of believers understands spiritual maturity. Any one of these contributions would be meaningful. All three provide a valuable tool for the church."
--Roland Paul Cox, Benin Transmitting Station Director, TWR